Our Clients, the proud owners of a landmark 1860’s era Italianate home, desired to greatly improve their daily ingress and egress experience. With a growing young family, the lack of a proper entry area and attached garage was something they wanted to address. They also needed a guest suite to accommodate frequent out-of-town guests and visitors. But in the homeowner’s own words, “He didn’t want to be known as the guy who ‘screwed up’ this beautiful old home”. Our design challenge was to provide the needed space of a significant addition, but do so in a manner that would respect the historic home. Our design solution lay in providing a “hyphen”: a multi-functional daily entry breezeway connector linking the main house with a new garage and in-law suite above.

Our Clients, the proud owners of a landmark 1860’s era Italianate home, desired to greatly improve their daily ingress and egress experience. With a growing young family, the lack of a proper entry area and attached garage was something they wanted to address. They also needed a guest suite to accommodate frequent out-of-town guests and visitors. But in the homeowner’s own words, “He didn’t want to be known as the guy who ‘screwed up’ this beautiful old home”. Our design challenge was to provide the needed space of a significant addition, but do so in a manner that would respect the historic home. Our design solution lay in providing a “hyphen”: a multi-functional daily entry breezeway connector linking the main house with a new garage and in-law suite above.

Our Clients, the proud owners of a landmark 1860’s era Italianate home, desired to greatly improve their daily ingress and egress experience. With a growing young family, the lack of a proper entry area and attached garage was something they wanted to address. They also needed a guest suite to accommodate frequent out-of-town guests and visitors. But in the homeowner’s own words, “He didn’t want to be known as the guy who ‘screwed up’ this beautiful old home”. Our design challenge was to provide the needed space of a significant addition, but do so in a manner that would respect the historic home. Our design solution lay in providing a “hyphen”: a multi-functional daily entry breezeway connector linking the main house with a new garage and in-law suite above.

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers http://www.themasonscompany.com/ has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers Who we are? http://www.themasonscompany.com/ has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

The home's flooring is a combination of Blue Lagos Limestone in 12x24 and antique hard-wax oiled wood. Together these two selections create a time-worn look that showcases the character and longevity of natural resources. Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers http://www.themasonscompany.com/ has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

Susan Teare
Mountain style home office photo in Burlington

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

Achieve contemporary flair with fully customized EpicVue windows. Photo credit: JELD-WEN
Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Charlotte

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers http://www.themasonscompany.com/ has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

Committing to a kosher kitchen is quite a daunting undertaking and when you are also taking on a complete remodel, it can be overwhelming. It does not, however, have to be insurmountable. There are many resources to help guide you through the experience. Check out the internet and magazines to guide you. Once you have done the initial research, contact your Rabi with questions and for clarification on a kosher kitchen. Kosher requirements can vary differently between Orthodox, Conservatism, Ultra Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Your Rabi most likely will have a list of rules and guidelines. Also, hire a professional kitchen designer. They will not only be able to design the needs of a kosher kitchen but also make it personal to your needs and beautiful too. If the space and the budget allow, two distinct kitchens within one space is a possibility. A kosher kitchen requires stringent separation of meat and dairy items. Depending on the sect of Judaism you practice ------ Storage: The Storage areas need space for two sets of dishes, pots and pans, flatware, cups and utensils. You can combine the storage areas as long as there is a separation and that you do not mix service ware. A good recommendation is to color code your plates, flatware, table linen, pots. For example, red plates, gold-colored flatware, copper pots for meat items while dairy items have white plates, stainless flatware, stainless pots. You may want to label each area so when you have your new sister-in-law help in the kitchen; everything stays in the correct place. Appliances: When selecting appliances look for the STAR-K logo. This will help you determine to what extent an appliance is Kosher. Some ovens will have Sabbath modes where they will turn on automatically at a predetermined time. Once the oven is open, the oven turns off. Some refrigerators also have Sabbath modes where the ice maker turns off on the Sabbath and back on the following day. One refrigerator is usually sufficient provided all foods stay on the proper container in the proper section of the refrigerator. Having an immaculately clean refrigerator is a must if this is the case. You do not want spills from one food source contaminating food from the other. If you decide on two refrigerators, one can be full size while the other is smaller. A good kitchen designer can help assess your family’s needs to determine which is best for you. Dishwashers cannot be Kosher in most cases. You either need two dishwashers, separate compartment dishwashers as in dishwasher drawers or wash by hand. Look at Fisher Pikel or Kitchen Aid for dishwasher drawers. Each drawer is on separate controls. You can dedicate the top drawer for dairy while the bottom drawer is for meat service ware. If you have space and decide to have two dishwashers, you can get two 24” wide dishwashers. Another option is to have one full size dishwasher and supplement it with a small 18” wide dishwasher. Miele makes an 18” wide dishwasher that is super quiet and cleans dishes very well. You may also opt for a single dishwasher drawer in addition to a full sized dishwasher. A single Microwave oven can be used for milk and meat provided that a complete cover is used around the food. You will also need separate plastic plate’s places on the bottom or glass turn table. Keeping the unit clean is very important. Counter tops: Counter tops may or may not be able to be koshered depending on your sect. Simply having sets of trivets for dairy, meat and pareve (not meat or dairy) will provide adequate separation of foods. Sinks: If you can’t have two separate sinks, include three separate tubs to be places in the sink. Color code the tubs for meat, dairy and pareve. If you have one sink or a single divided sink, you will need to be cautious about splashing, to keep the meat and dairy particulates apart. You will also need space for separate dish cloths or sponges and dish towels. Again, color coding is extremely helpful and highly suggested. Must Haves: ~Storage space for two sets of dishes, flatware, pans bowls ~Color Code and label where appropriate ~Separate burners dedicate for either meat or dairy ~Separate clean up areas ~Clean environment to avoid contamination between meat and dairy ~A space that functions for how you cook ~A space that reflects you Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

Powder room with glam geometric wallpaper complimented with a vessel sink rustic vanity with riveted hardware. Counter top is quartz Viatera - Truffle. Mirror framed wall mirror. Ryan Hainey

What You Should Know About Fuel Tanks Home heating solutions can encompass electrical, gas, solar and oil based systems. When one talks about oil tanks that are used as home heating systems, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Start with the installer A high-quality, professional and expert installer of oil or fuel tanks can certainly help you make the decision on which type of tank is the best for your property. When you decide on underground fuel tanks, you should make sure that they are: • Compliant with all statutory requirements. • Made of steel and polyurethane. • Covered by guarantee. • Supported by backfill material, leak detection systems and tank supports. Aboveground fuel tanks are easier to maintain simply because they are more accessible. Even the smallest of oil or fuel leaks can be detected almost immediately. But even here, an installer should give you premium quality tanks. These tanks: • Should have secondary containment. • Should be corrosion resistant. • Should have proper support as well. Installation Installation for both – underground and above ground tanks is a technical and complex process. The installation process for both will start with a technician visiting your home and making an assessment of aspects such as: • Measuring the space. • Taking stock of the distance from your home to the tank, pipes and so on. • The supports needed for the tank and so on. If it is an above ground tank, then it may also need bollards to protect it from vehicles. An underground tank will need containment sumps and drop tubes and so on. The combination of components will be decided by the installer and you can certainly ask for a complete breakup of the same and get the costs for the same as well. Remediation Repair and remediation of above and underground tanks is a critical task. In fact, many problems associated with underground fuel storage tanks can be eliminated if the home owner invests time and resources into periodic analysis and examination of the same. A fuel tank that has been installed above the ground will be easier to access but repair and remediation of both types of tanks will entail: • Soil sampling. • Extent of oil contamination. • Assessment of leaks and the extent and number of the same. • Drawing up a plan for dealing with all problem areas. Removal Every fuel tank has a shelf life. At some point of time or the other, the fuel tank will need to be removed. When it comes to above ground installations, the removal company will need to assess the type of fuel and the knowhow on emptying the tank completely. The tank will also need to be cleaned completely before being loaded on to a vehicle that can take it away to a recycling unit or disposal unit. Underground tanks can be removed or closed or treated as abandoned depending on the condition of the tank and official licenses. For instance, a tank can be treated as closure in place if the removal of the same is going to compromise the safety of structures above the ground.